Arsenal have been dealt a blow with news that Jack Wilshere will be sidelined for three weeks with an ankle injury.

Wilshere, who is reportedly recuperating in Dubai, has been in excellent form since making his return from a long-term ankle injury this season, starting 18 of the Gunners' Premier League matches.

But the midfielder, 21, is struggling with an inflamed ankle, meaning he will be out for the forthcoming games against Bayern Munich and Swansea, and also the England matches versus San Marino and Montenegro.

Wenger is quoted by the Mirror as saying: "Wilshere has an inflamed ankle, the other ankle. He will be out for Bayern, Swansea and for England.

"Hopefully for the Premier League, he will only miss one game because of the international break. I noticed recently he has had to dig deep for us, it's not welcome for us but he needed a breather.

"But it's more preventative. We trust our people who are specialists."

Wenger also offered a further update on his team news ahead of Arsenal's Champions League last-16 second leg against Bayern, with Bacary Sagna ruled out and Abou Diaby facing a late fitness test.

"Kieran Gibbs is back in the squad. Sagna is not available. Diaby is in the squad and will have a test this morning. He may be short but hopefully will travel," he said.